Foreign Affairs Minister visits Laos

Foreign Affairs Minister Tej Bunnag has traveled to Laos to push for cooperation in various sectors. The foreign affairs minister also took the opportunity to explain to his counterpart Thailand’s stance on the Thai-Cambodia Preah Vihear dispute.

Laos is the first ASEAN member country the minister visited after being appointed as head of the Foreign Ministry. He met with Lao President Choummaly Sayasone, Prime Minister Bouasone Bouphavanh, and Foreign Affairs Minister Thongloun Sisoulith. They have discussed on issues concerning Thai-Lao cooperation. Laos has also expressed agreement with the use of bilateral talks to resolve the Preah Vihear conflict.

The minister reported that the demarcation at the Thai-Lao border has progressed by more than 90%. 676 kilometers from 702 kilometers have been demarcated. In addition, the minister said the two countries discussed the issue of illegal Mong people and the management of alien workers at border zones. They also confirmed to hold a meeting of the Thai-Lao joint committee to strengthen transport cooperation.

Laos also requested Thailand to ratify the ASEAN Charter as soon as possible and Thailand assured Laos that it would expedite the ratification during the next ASEAN summit, the minister said.

Source : National News Bureau, Public Relations Department of Thailand